Fantasy Junction

Description

1928 Bugatti Type 35B Recreation
s/n BC 83
French Racing Blue with Black Leather

The Bugatti 35 was introduced at the 1924 Paris Motor Show, made its racing debut at the 1924 French Grand Prix at Lyons and is unquestionably one of the iconic automotive designs of the 20th century, epitomizing the minimalist lines of the pre-WWII Grand Prix car. Initially built as a 2-litre or 2-litre Supercharged as the 35C, in preparation for the 1926 Targa Florio Bugatti lengthened the stroke of its 2-litre engine to 2.3-litre to produce the 35T. Thanks to the Bugatti’s light weight, plentiful power and excellent balance the three works cars dominated the 1926 Targa Florio, finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd, driven by Constantini, Goux and Minoia, ultimately winning the 1926 World Championship for Bugatti.

The Type 35 was supercharged for the 1927 season using the smaller Type 39 supercharger, becoming the Targa Compressor (TC). Later in 1927 the larger 185mm wide blower was fitted and the fabulous 35B was born. In 1928 the 1-1/2 litre Grand Prix formula was abandoned making the 2.3 liter Bugatti Type 35 the race teams’ weapon of choice, winning countless Grand Prix and sports car races in the late 20’s and early 30’s in the hands of team and privateer drivers. Bugatti 35s dominated the Targa Florio in 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928 and 1929; the French Grand Prix every year from 1926 to 1930 and the inaugural Monaco Grand Prix in 1929. So successful was the Type 35 that 14 of the 23 cars on the grid for the 1930 Monaco Grand Prix were Bugatti.

Bugatti Type 35B, s/n BC83 is finished in Bugatti Racing Blue with black Leather, and was handcrafted and precision built by Crosthwaite and Gardiner in 1999. For those who are not all that familiar with Crosthwaite and Gardiner, it was a company chosen by Audi and Mercedes to build their Silver Arrow replicas which now tour all over the world. To be given such a task by both Audi and Mercedes is honorable on its own, but even more admirable as Crosthwaite and Gardiner build these cars from scratch to be near perfect in every detail. It certainly sets the car apart from other manufacturers of similar high quality recreations.

Fitted with a correct 130hp, 2.3-liter overhead-cam inline-eight cylinder supercharged engine with nine roller bearings, a correct four-speed gearbox, live axle suspension with semi-elliptic front and quarter-elliptic rear springs, four wheel mechanical drum brakes, 8-spoke alloy wheels, single aero screen and a single side-mount spare. Like new and done to the highest standards. Kept in a Carcoon on the Jersey Islands from 2000 to 2004 and then displayed at the MacPherson Museum Collection in Tustin California. After being acquired from the MacPherson Museum in 2008 it was sent to Phil Reilly and Co. where the engine was comprehensively rebuilt and prepared for historic racing at significant expense. It has been raced throughout California since then, including the Bugatti Grand Prix (2010), The Monterey Historics, (Laguna Seca), Sonoma (Infineon), Auto Club Speedway (Fontana), Buttonwillow. In addition to its racing exploits it also participated in the California Mille. BC 83 has also gathered concours wins at Plam Springs, and was shown at The Quail in 2013. s/n BC 83 runs and sounds great, and has been accepted with open arms to many of North America’s premier motorsport gatherings.

A detailed history:

1999, built by Crosthwaite and Gardiner, renown Bugatti specialists, Hogge Farm, Buxted, East Sussex, TN22 4AX, England.

2000–2004, kept in storage in a carcoon (inflatable and climate controlled) on the Isle of Jersey, England.

2004, sold to Joe’s Garage, a.k.a. the MacPherson Collection, Tustin, CA.

2004–2008, on display at Joe’s Garage, a.k.a. the MacPherson Collection, Tustin, CA.

2008, 14 June, at the RM Auction, The MacPherson Collection. Sold to the current owner.

2009, 30–31 May, race #2 at the Wine Country Classic.

2009, 11 July, shown at the CCCA San Marino Grand Classic Car Show, Lacy Park.

2009, 14–06 Aug., race #21 at the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races.

2010, 13 Aug., shown at the Quail Motorsport Gathering, Quail Lodge, Carmel Valley.

2010, 14 Aug., race #12 at the Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races, 20th.

2011, 19–21 Aug., race # 21 at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.

2012, March, on consignment with Mike Sheehan’s Ferraris-online.com.

2012, August, Entered and accepted for the pre-historic and Monterey Historic races, Monterey, CA.

2013, May, Participated in the California Mille Rally

2013, August, Displayed at Quail: A Motorsport Gathering

2015, Various historic racing venues including the Wine Country Classic

2019, August, Consigned to Fantasy Junction.

Cosmetically, the car has a beautifully fresh and genuine appearance. Every detail of the car looks and feels authentic from the cable operated brakes to the finishes on the leaf springs and wheels. Safety wiring is employed throughout and the proportion, look, and feel of the mechanical and cosmetic aspects is absolutely spot-on. The paint is in very good shape. The brightwork and metal trim are very nice as well and the overall presentation is consistent with that of a car restored (or in this case built) some years ago, used regularly, and never neglected.

The interior is similar with engine turned aluminum dashboard, plain aluminum inner panels, nice leather upholstery, and authentic instrumentation and controls. The routing of mechanical components, be it the shifter or sump oiler, is all authentic, and petcocks are present in the fueling system just as they would have originally been. The steering wheel is excellent and does not appear too new, like the rest of the car.

The engine compartment presents similarly, with the same jewel-like character to the mechanical components that distinguishes all Bugattis of this period. The engine, firewall, and supercharger are all works of art and reproduced with fantastic authenticity. The components are clean and nicely detailed, although not spotless, again consistent with a car that has been carefully enjoyed.

One of the very best things about this car is that it begs to be used. While original Type 35s are worth millions and are irreplaceable historical artifacts, this car can be repaired by its original manufacturer should anything happen to it, but also accurately captures the intoxicating directness and mechanical character of one of the greatest cars of all time. Thoughtfully but subtly upgraded for enhanced usability without in any way diminishing the experience, the quality and craftsmanship is absolutely tremendous and deeply impressive. Add in the interesting psychological effect of reconciling the car’s profoundly faithful presentation with the fact that it is not a Molsheim-built car, and the result is an intoxicating automobile that represents superb value and a truly special driving experience.

This wonderful Bugatti by Crosthwaite and Gardiner is offered with road lights, an Arizona title, road registration, and considerable documentation relating to the Phil Reilly and Co. engine and clutch rebuilds. Seemingly eligible for nearly every premier North American automotive gathering, there will be no shortage of opportunity for use with its next enthusiastic custodian.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608